Do We Recognize Jesus? What He has done, Is Doing, and Will Do?

Do We Recognize Him?

Following Jesus From the Edges

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 14, 2026

Scripture: Luke 24:13–32 – The Road to Emmaus

This morning was different.

I was up earlier than normal. I had written my devotional—spent time with it, prayed over it, even prayed through it. But in that quiet moment, I heard clearly and powerfully the Holy Spirit say:

“These are not the words necessary for today.”

So I stopped.

And I listened.

My thoughts were drawn to the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Two followers walking, talking, trying to process everything that had just happened. Jesus Himself comes alongside them… walks with them… speaks with them… teaches them…

And yet—they did not recognize Him.

That has settled deeply in me this morning.

Because the question is not just about them.

Do we recognize Him?

Jesus is still walking among us.

Still walking with us.

Still guiding.

Still teaching.

And yet, how often do we miss Him?

Maybe it’s because our thoughts are so often centered on ourselves—what we want, when we want it, how we think things should go. Even when we believe we are doing the right thing… we have to ask: Are these thoughts truly Christ-centered? Are they what God desires… or what I desire?

That’s not always an easy question to sit with.

And it leads to another one: Are we fully all in with Jesus?

Because if we are… Then why do we struggle to do the most important things He has already called us to?

Getting our lives aligned with Him.

Sharing Jesus—living out the Great Commission.

Devoting ourselves to what the early church modeled so clearly: The apostles’ teaching. The breaking of bread. Fellowship. Prayer.

These are not complicated things. But they are essential things. And maybe the call this morning is not to overthink, overplan, or overcomplicate what following Jesus looks like.

Maybe it is simply this: Return to what matters most. Remain faithful in it. And allow everything else to fall into place.

That’s what I sense the Holy Spirit speaking today. Not a finished thought. Not a polished message. Just a clear direction. Jesus is near.

The question is—will we recognize Him?

And when we do… will we follow Him fully?

I have a feeling there is more to come in the hours and days ahead.

But for now… This is what the Spirit is saying.

How is it with your soul? How is the Spirit speaking to you this morning? Are you listening?